World's First! Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Successfully Conducts Targeted BCMA Universal CAR-T Cell Therapy for NMOSD

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. It is often associated with pathogenic autoantibodies targeting aquaporin-4 on astrocytes. Reports state that more than 90% of untreated patients experience relapses, resulting in irreversible visual damage and optic nerve atrophy. Although multiple drugs have been approved for NMOSD, patients with relapsed or refractory disease frequently show suboptimal responses to corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologics.

What was achieved

In a world first, the team at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University successfully conducted targeted BCMA universal CAR-T cell therapy for a patient with relapsed/refractory NMOSD. The effort was led by Professor Wu Wencan, Vice President of Wenzhou Medical University and a neuro-ophthalmology specialist. It involved collaboration with BRL Medicine for the cell product and technical support, teams from East China Normal University led by Professors Liu Mingyao and Du Bing, and Oujiang Laboratory. The clinical research was approved following planning that began in 2024, ethics review, and specialized CAR-T training of hospital staff at the PLA General Hospital.

The first patient was a 46-year-old Tibetan man from Aba Prefecture in Sichuan Province who had long suffered from NMOSD, including impaired vision. After comprehensive evaluation and signing informed consent, he received the infusion. He was discharged on October 10, 2025. According to reports, he showed improved vision, discontinued all immunosuppressive agents including steroids, recorded only transient low-grade fever (≤38°C) with no significant toxic side effects, and had successful clearance of target cells on preliminary assessment. The patient and family expressed satisfaction and gratitude to the team. This case, performed by the hospital's eye-nose related minimally invasive specialty team, confirms the short-term safety and feasibility of the universal CAR-T approach for NMOSD and similar optic nerve immune diseases.

How it works

NMOSD is driven by plasma cells and plasmablasts that produce harmful autoantibodies attacking the patient's optic nerve and spinal cord tissues. These cells express B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) on their surface. The universal CAR-T therapy uses T cells from healthy donors that are genetically engineered in a laboratory to express a chimeric antigen receptor that specifically recognizes and binds to BCMA. After infusion into the patient, these modified T cells proliferate and eliminate the BCMA-expressing plasma cells, thereby reducing production of the pathogenic antibodies.

This process aims to deplete the source of the autoimmune attack and potentially allow immune system reconstitution and deeper tolerance, reducing the need for ongoing medication. Unlike traditional autologous CAR-T, which requires collecting and modifying a patient's own cells, the universal version is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf product. The hospital implemented standardized protocols for the case, including protective isolation in a laminar flow single room, vital sign monitoring, standardized cell infusion, and preparedness for managing possible side effects such as cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity. In this instance, only mild, transient fever was observed.

What it means for international patients

This milestone offers a reported new therapeutic option for patients with relapsed or refractory NMOSD or related optic nerve autoimmune conditions who may not respond adequately to existing treatments. The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University operates an International Affairs Department and maintains an English-language website. It engages in collaborations with more than 50 international institutions and has experience treating patients from abroad, including cases highlighted in hospital news.

International patients interested in this approach or similar care at the hospital should contact the facility directly for evaluation. Eligibility for clinical research programs, including any continuation of this work, requires individual medical assessment and confirmation with the hospital, as this report describes an initial case within an approved study.

About the hospital

The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, also known as Zhejiang Eye Hospital, is located in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Founded in 1998, it is a tertiary grade A specialized ophthalmology hospital affiliated with Wenzhou Medical University. It integrates clinical services, medical education, scientific research and prevention, and hosts national platforms including the National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases and the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science.

The hospital is described in official reports as one of China's top eye specialty hospitals with international influence. In 2024 it recorded 1.2788 million outpatient visits and performed over 90,000 eye surgeries. It features multiple subspecialties including expertise in neuro-ophthalmology and optic nerve diseases. The hospital maintains an International Affairs Department for overseas inquiries and participates in global academic and clinical exchanges.